North Dakota Agriculture 2020
In partnership with the North Dakota Department of Agriculture
Agriculture is a vital economic force in North Dakota. About 90% of the state’s land is used for agriculture, totaling 39.3 million acres devoted to farming and ranching. North Dakota’s sub-humid continental climate is perfect for producing livestock and small grains, helping make it a top producer of dry edible beans, navy and pinto beans, canola, flaxseed, and honey. It’s also a top producer of durum and spring wheat – when you eat spaghetti, chances are it contains North Dakota wheat.
As for livestock, there are 1.83 million beef cattle – that’s more than two cattle for every North Dakotan. Soils in the Peace Garden State vary, ranging from thick, black loam in the Red River Valley – some of the richest agricultural land in the world – to sandy soils in the west. The state’s motto, “Strength from the Soil,” is on the coat of arms and governor’s flag.
